The Armor of God
This morning I heard “The Armor of God” passage… I never really knew exactly what it meant… I mean, yes, it’s pretty straight forward; but it’s abstract. Take “salvation” as your helmet?? What?! But as I heard this morning—like I have plenty of other mornings—it suddenly clicked in my mind. It is my spiritual armor for my spirit/soul, what physical armor is for my body.
I by no means am an expert on this, but I want to break this down. For myself, if not for you…
“Put on God’s complete set of armor provided for us, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser!” (Eph. 6:11.)
God knew what we were going to face in this life, even before we were born. But He loves and cares for us so well—like a shepherd watching over his flock—that He gave us everything we need to be protected. He knew we were going to be born in a war. (I’m not talking about a physical war; we are at war against the evil spirits in this world.) So, He provided what we needed. He is a good Father who doesn’t leave His children to fend for themselves.
”Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph.” (Eph. 6:14.)
Be honest and truthful in all you do, and you will come out on top. Even when the lies try to pull you down, you are victorious because Jesus has overcome!
“Put on holiness as the protective armor that covers your heart.” (Eph. 6:14.)
Proverbs 4:23 says that we need to guard our hearts because it is the wellspring of our lives. Jesus calls us a “holy people,” so… why not take the holiness that He freely gives us, and use it. Being holy means being set apart. When we’re “set apart” and we don’t do what the world does, it can go a long way in protecting our emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health.
“Stand on your feet alert, then you’ll always be ready to share the blessings of peace.” (Eph. 6:15.)
Be ready to share the gospel. The version I listened to this morning says, “My feet are a shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace.” I am ready to go—how do I go? With my feet! —I am ready to go and share this Gospel message that gives me peace!
“In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the Evil One!” (Eph. 6:16.)
Faith=trust. Trust that all around you, you have a shield. This shield is no ordinary shield… It is a force-field! Nothing can penetrate it without permission!
“Embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies.” (Eph. 6:17.)
One of the Greek words meaning “salvation” translates to English as, “delivered, preserved, and safe.” Salvation can deliver us from the evil thoughts and lies we used to believe. It can preserve our minds from becoming “of this world.” And salvation keeps us safe from the darts of the enemy.
“…Take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword of the spoken Word of God.” (Eph. 6:17.)
Not only does the Bible feed us spiritually, but it is our weapon. When Jesus fasted in the wilderness for forty days and nights, He battled the devil with the Word. That’s why it is important to memorize verses from the Bible. Not for knowledge, or “bragging rights,” but to “hide God’s Word in your heart,” and to take your stand in the battle!
“Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times.” (Eph. 6:18.)
Praying is a wonderful privilege that Christians have the honor of doing… whether for our family, our friends, our city, nation, world, or even for ourselves. Which is just as important as the rest.
As I said earlier, I am not an expert on this subject. But I wanted to share what I learned today! 😊